Behavioural characteristics and accidents: findings from the Health Survey for England, 1997

Accid Anal Prev. 2003 Sep;35(5):661-7. doi: 10.1016/s0001-4575(02)00044-1.

Abstract

This study analysed the relationship between major and minor accidents, and major accidents involving a moving vehicle, and behavioural and emotional factors in children, aged 4-15 years, using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), and adjusting for demographic, socio-economic and family type factors. Data from a large representative national sample of about 6000 children were analysed using simple and multiple logistic regression. The analysis shows that the prevalence of SDQ scales, such as hyperactivity and conduct disorder were significantly higher in boys, lower social classes and step- and single-parent families. After adjusting for the demographic, socio-economic and family type factors, children who scored borderline or high for hyperactivity were almost two times more likely to report having major accidents. Children who scored high for hyperactivity and emotional symptoms were one and a half times more likely to report having minor accidents. For major accidents involving moving vehicles, the relationships with the behavioural and emotional factors were generally stronger than for major accidents in general. Hyperactivity, in particular, was significantly associated with the occurrence of major and minor accidents, and major accidents involving moving vehicles. The behavioural risk factors were significantly more common in the lower social classes, families receiving benefits and step- and single-parent families.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Accidents / statistics & numerical data*
  • Accidents, Traffic / statistics & numerical data
  • Adolescent
  • Affective Symptoms / epidemiology
  • Child
  • Child Behavior Disorders / epidemiology
  • Child Behavior*
  • Child, Preschool
  • England / epidemiology
  • Family Characteristics
  • Female
  • Health Surveys
  • Humans
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Risk-Taking*
  • Sex Distribution
  • Socioeconomic Factors